Habenaria erichmichelii, Christenson, 2003 is considered now a synonym of Habenaria rhodocheila subsp. rhodocheila which is accepted species by WCSP, Kew. This lovely terrestrial species from Thailand was described in 2003 from a plant that has been imported as Habenaria rhodocheila. There is no final consensus between taxonomists if they are one species or two different species.  

Previous Awards:

There are 20 AOS awards for Habenaria rhodocheila subsp. rhodocheila, including several CBR an CHM. Most of awarded flowers has orange color. Habenaria rhodocheila subsp. rhodocheila 'Little Erich' CHM/AOS (84 points) awarded in 2019 has similar color to the exhibited plant. 

There is one award for Habenaria erichmichelii - Habenaria erichmichelii 'Kalkaska' HCC/AOS awarded in 2019.

Description:

Habenaria rhodocheila subsp. rhodocheila (syn. Habenaria erichmichelii) has 24 flowers and 29 buds on four strong upright inflorescences. Inflorescence is 23 cm height. Plant growing in 12 cm green plastic pot in a terrestrial mix.

Flower Measurements:

NS H - 2.2 cm;                    NS V -3.5 cm;

Dorsal Sep. W - 0.5 cm;    Dorsal Sep. L - 1.4 cm;

Petal W - 0.2 cm;               Petals L - 0.5 cm;

Lat/Sepal W - 0.5 cm;       Lat/Sepal L - 1.3 cm;

Lip/Pouch W - 2.2 cm;     Lip/Pouch L - 3.0 cm.

Exhibitor - Bill Stender, PA

Plant has been nominated for flower award and scored 80 pts (Award of Merit)

Virtual Award Description

Twenty-four pleasantly-colored flowers and twenty-nine buds well arranged on four strong, upright inflorescences up to 23 cm, arising just above a very compact plant growing in a 12-cm plastic pot; dorsal sepal hooded, pink olive, tinted tan; lateral sepals reflexed, pink tan; petals oblong, tucked into dorsal sepal, olive, margins blushed pink; lip trilobed, coral pink, darker basally, side lobes oblong, apically truncate, deep pink, midlobe bifurcate; nectary tan; substance medium-firm; texture matte. Entered as Habenaria erichmichelii, awarded as Habenaria rhodocheila subsp. rhodocheila